Using computational modeling, we show that self-oscillating Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) gels can both emit and sense a chemical signal and thus, drive neighboring gel pieces to spontaneously self-aggregate, so that the system exhibits auto-chemotaxis. To date, this is the closest system to the ultimate self-recombining material, which can be divided into separated parts and the parts move autonomously to assemble into a structure resembling the original, uncut sample. We also show that the gels’ coordinated motion can be controlled by light, allowing us to achieve selective self-aggregation and control over the shape of the gel aggregates. By exposing the BZ gels to specific patterns of light and dark, we design a BZ gel “train” that leads the movement of its “cargo”. Our findings pave the way for creating reconfigurable materials from self-propelled elements, which autonomously communicate with neighboring units and thereby actively participate in cons tructing the final structure. In essence, the BZ gels resemble pieces of a construction toy that can be reused to build multiple structures and thus, provide a new route for creating dynamically reconfigurable materials.

The video for this talk should appear here if JavaScript is enabled.If it doesn't, something may have gone wrong with our embedded player.We'll get it fixed as soon as possible.